Red Devils Jo Ho-tae (Chairman), furious at resigning Hong Myung-bo: "If that's volunteering, spit out the money you received" — scathing criticism [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Cho Ho-tae (44), chairman of the South Korean national football team supporters' group "Red Devils," launched a scathing critique against head coach Hong Myung-bo and the Korea Football Association.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, expanded to a 48-team format, Hong Myung-bo's team finished 34th overall, ending the tournament with a bitter record. The national team started on a high note with a 2-1 comeback victory against Czech Republic in the first group stage match, but suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to host nation Mexico in the second match. Although a draw in the remaining matches would have secured a spot in the Round of 32, the team collapsed after losing the final match 0-1 to South Africa. Ultimately, they finished 10th among the 12 third-placed teams across all groups, failing to advance past the group stage.

Facing intense public criticism, head coach Hong Myung-bo held a press conference at the team's base camp in Mexico on the 29th (Korea time) and unexpectedly announced his voluntary resignation. He left the post in disgrace before completing his term, which was set to last until January 2027.

Just before the announcement of Hong Myung-bo's resignation, Cho Ho-tae, chairman of the Red Devils, spoke with this newspaper by phone. Expressing deep regret over the dire situation faced by local traveling fans, he strongly condemned the coach's irresponsible attitude.

Jo Ho-tae (Chairman) reported that the situation of approximately 500 Red Devils traveling supporters currently staying in Mexico, the host country of the tournament, is "in complete chaos, not knowing where to go, like a broken navigation system."

Fans who had firmly believed the national team would reach the Round of 32 had booked flights to Los Angeles (LA), the next battleground. Once their elimination was confirmed, they were forced to cancel their tickets, incurring cancellation fees of about 300,000 won per person. Jo Ho-tae (Chairman) stated, "Fans are wasting enormous amounts of money and time trying to secure direct flights or alternative connecting flights to return home," and added, "The current situation of the fans is nearly at the point of collapse," describing the desolate atmosphere on the ground.

Sharp criticism of head coach Hong Myung-bo continued. Jo Ho-tae (Chairman) raised his voice, saying, "It was the most dazzling lineup in history. Yet the coach offers excuses, claiming he doesn't even understand the flaws in his own tactics or the reasons for the defeat. Fans simply cannot understand this."

He further remarked, "Head coach Hong Myung-bo should have resigned long ago. If the position of national team head coach is considered 'volunteering,' then if that is truly the case, he should have returned all the money he has received so far. That is an absurd excuse."

Meanwhile, the Red Devils plan to issue an official statement soon after internal discussions regarding the Lee Beon (CEO) team incident.

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*This content was translated by AI.